The True Meaning of Vesak Day: A Celebration of Ultimate Happiness

Vesak Day, one of the most sacred days on the Buddhist calendar, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Shakyamuni Buddha. As Buddhists around the world visit temples, make donations, and perform meritorious deeds, a common greeting is exchanged: “Happy Vesak Day!” But have you ever wondered, what’s so happy about Buddha’s passing away? Shouldn’t it be mourned?

A Lesson from the Past

According to scriptural accounts, many unenlightened monks were grief-stricken as Buddha’s final day approached. But Buddha gently chided them for feeling sad, as he had spent his entire life teaching about the impermanence of life and how to defeat death. Feeling sad about Buddha’s passing away is not befitting those who have studied the Dharma.

Celebrating Nirvana

But isn’t celebrating the death anniversary of Buddha a bit too much? To understand, we need to know some basics about Nirvana. Nirvana means achieving Ultimate happiness and stopping the process of endless rebirth. When Shakyamuni Buddha attained Nirvana, that lifetime became his last. Therefore, his passing away is known as PariNirvana, the ultimate release from Samsara and its inherent suffering. It’s like walking out of a horrible jail to enjoy freedom and happiness – worth celebrating!

The Ultimate Goal of Buddhism

For Buddhists, Vesak Day reminds us that our ultimate goal is not to be enchanted by Samsara but to transcend it. When we attain PariNirvana, our passing away will no longer be bound to endless rebirth and suffering. Let’s remember the original teaching of Buddha and help spread the correct understanding. The attainment of PariNirvana is worth celebrating and is joyous – something all Buddhists should aspire to.

May All Be Well and Happy